Submitted by: Lori Moss
ABOUT ROBBIE
How and why did Robbie Williams choose to become an Athletic Trainer? Simple answer, because he enjoys working with athletes. One of his greatest joys is to see an athlete that has been out, due to injury, return to the sport they love. “You know how much time, effort, blood, sweat and tears they put forth to be able to make the return”. Robbie has been observing this “return” for a total of 32 years, providing healthcare service with the Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics since 1994; Girls Preparatory School from 1996-2020 as well as a dual partnership with the Chattanooga Football Club from 2010-present.
EDUCATION
How did you know or decide to become an Athletic Trainer?
“Well, actually an injury happened when I was playing 9th grade basketball which ended my athletic career, however it improved my manager skill. Coach Henry and Coach Liner, from Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe HS, introduced me to Cramer self-study course which began a new career of Sports Medicine. I attended a Student Athletic Trainer Workshops at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga which led to a scholarship at UTC to work under the mentorship of Terry Lewis then another well known ATC, Doug May.
Doug was the Head Athletic Trainer and Ron Courson the Graduate Assistant, under the mentorship and leadership of those two men, who had an extreme passion for Athletic Training, I knew I too wanted to be an Athletic Trainer.”
Favorite Aspect of Athletic Training?
“The relationships you build with other athletic trainers, physicians, coaches, athletes and their families. During my illness, students from 30 plus years ago reached out with their support and love, so it’s the relationships that you will cherish and remember.”
Memorable Moments
“So many; State Championships while at GPS, NPLS National Championship Games with CFC, trips to San Diego and New York with CFC, and working the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.”
Fun Fact
“I followed Eddie Davis’s AT career; manager and High School graduate of LFO, graduate and student worker at UTC, and then working at a private school in Chattanooga Tennessee, Eddie at Baylor and myself at GPS. You never know when your little league basketball coach is leading the way for your next step, yes Eddie, you were my coach too!”